National Museum of Qatar to join forces with Microsoft to accelerate Qatar Museums digital transformation

Doha, Qatar – The National Museum of Qatar, part of Qatar Museums, today announced that it has signed an MOU with Microsoft to enhance the Museums digital-transformation plans and deliver state-of-the-art smart exhibits. The agreement will also help foster the development of a dedicated section that  will collaborate with Microsoft’s AI digital center to enhance digital learning experiences  for schools and families, using technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Ahmad Musa Al-Namla, CEO of Qatar Museums said,

“Enhancing Qatar Museums digital technologies has always been a key part of our audience strategy but events over the last eighteen months mean we have  accelerated our efforts. New ways of using AI, augmented and virtual reality will ensure Qatar Museums maintains its role in preserving our heritage and culture While providing global audiences with access to see and experience our exhibitions .”

Sheikha Amna bint Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al Thani, Director of the National Museum of Qatar added,

“Our co-innovation project with Microsoft will allow us to accelerate our vision of being an emitting museum, sharing with our audiences a new platform for engagement and learning”.

“Next-generation technology like AI can enliven museums for visitors and immerse them in heritage landscapes and collections as never before. Through NMoQ and Microsoft’s partnership we will be able to transcend museum walls, nurture emerging talents in schools and create novel, joint - training opportunities that bridge museums and technology.” 

Microsoft specialists will work with the Museums’ stakeholders to determine the Microsoft technologies best suited to its digital transformation needs.

"We are proud to partner with the National Museum of Qatar to accelerate their digital transformation towards museums of the future and innovate with  the power of Microsoft cloud to create unique immersive experiences for all and anywhere showcasing the pride and great Qatar cultural heritage to the world." said Lana Khalaf, Country Manager, Microsoft Qatar.

" We are keen through this strategic partnership to transform and create through the trusted, intelligent Azure cloud the ideal place for National Museum of Qatar to let its imagination be its guide – to engage visitors, empower employees, optimize operations and reinvent the heritage domain for all Qataris." Lana added.

It is envisioned that National Museum of Qatar aims to move to the trusted, intelligent, versatile Microsoft Cloud, where tools like Minecraft, Paint 3D and Microsoft Teams will be explored for their ability to bring education to life to museum visitors.

Workshops will further establish the efficacy and direction of projects such as a Digital Library Solution, as well as the leverage of augmented-reality, virtual-reality, and mixed-reality solutions. Microsoft will also provide widespread digital-skilling sessions for museum employees across Qatar.

Microsoft is soon to open a dedicated Azure cloud location in Qatar to serve the digital transformation needs of all Qatari enterprises, regardless of scale or industry. The new locally delivered cloud services will adhere to Microsoft’s trusted cloud principles of security, privacy, compliance and transparency, empowering organizations meet their customers’ needs through the benefits of cloud computing, while still meeting data residency, security and local certification requirements

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About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

About Qatar Museums

Qatar Museums (QM), the nation’s preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves and expands the nation’s cultural offerings, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.

Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, and amplify the voices of Qatar’s people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the development of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar (NMOQ), QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara, and the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival. Future projects include the soon to open 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and the Qatar Children’s Museum.

Through its Department of Archaeology, QM spearheads several initiatives to preserve and restore Qatar’s historical sites and buildings. QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station: Artist in Residence and the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design, M7—that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.

About the National Museum of Qatar

The National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) is dedicated to bringing to life the unique story of Qatar and its people. The complex form of the desert rose, found in Qatar’s arid desert regions, inspired the striking design of the new museum building, conceived by French architect Jean Nouvel. The Museum actively gives voice to the nation’s rich heritage and culture. Designed as a vibrant and immersive space, diverse communities can come together and experience Qatar’s past, present and future. 

© Press Release 2021